Boo and the Misunderstood Tom in To Kill a Mockingbird In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus tells Jem and Scout to, "Shoot them all the bluejays you want, if you can hit them, but remember it's a sin to kill a thrush," refers to the idea that a thrush is a harmless creature and does nothing but sing and bring happiness to the world. Harper Lee takes the title of her novel from this passage because the image of the mockingbird is analogous to the characters of both Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. These two characters are "harmless songbirds" who are sinfully destroyed. Although Boo Radley physically appears in the story only once, he serves two essential purposes. At the beginning of the novel, Boo serves as a puzzle for the children, giving them something that becomes the focal point of their games, as well as a topic of conversation. As the story develops, it becomes clear that Boo embodies more character than most of Maycomb's citizens, emerging as a symbol of what is truly right and right. Boo stands up for what he believes is right, no matter what people think of him. At the beginning of the story, Boo represents the unknown. The children wonder about Boo and his strange way of life, but in reality they have no idea who he is. At first, the kids ask Boo questions about his "strange" lifestyle. When this doesn't satisfy their curiosity, they make up games and stories about Boo that present him as a monster. At one point, the children invade the Radley property in the hope of finding some clue that better explains Boo's character. As the story progresses, Boo becomes more of a symbol of kindness and courage than the "city monster" he is used to. To be. Boo leaves presents for the children in the hollow trunk of an old tree and covers Scout with a blanket during Miss Maudie's fire. However, it is only when he saves Jem and Scout's lives from the hands of the deranged Mr. Ewell that Boo shows his true heroic character. Even though Boo is a physically weaker man, he shows no fear when it comes to protecting Jem and Scout's lives. It is only after this rather strange episode that Scout is finally able to come to terms with her true feelings towards Boo..